The NDIS continues to change, and from 1 October 2026, changes to some NDIS support budgets will begin to take effect.

If you are an NDIS participant, family member or carer, you may be wondering what this means for your current or future NDIS plan.

The most important thing to understand is that these changes do not mean every participant will have their NDIS funding reduced.

Here is a simple explanation of what is changing and what you can do.

What NDIS changes start on 1 October 2026?

The NDIA has announced reductions to some budgets within two NDIS support categories:

• Social, Economic and Community Participation

• Improved Daily Living Skills

The changes will begin as plans are created or reassessed from 1 October 2026, or renewed from 1 February 2027.

The effect will not be the same for every participant. NDIS plans are individual, and funding decisions consider a person’s disability-related support needs and circumstances.

You can read the official information from the NDIS about support budget changes from 1 October 2026.

Are all NDIS supports being reduced?

No.The NDIA has identified a number of exclusions from these particular reductions.

These include certain employment supports, disability-related health supports, high intensity supports, intensive and complex behaviour supports and other specified supports.

The NDIA has also stated that certain essential day-to-day supports are excluded, including support with eating, drinking, dressing, toileting, laundry and cleaning.

This is why participants should not assume that a general NDIS announcement automatically means their individual supports will be reduced.

What should NDIS participants do?

1. Understand your current plan

Review your NDIS plan and understand what funding you have available.

Consider:

• What support categories do I have?

• How much funding is available?

• Which supports am I currently using?

• Are my supports helping me work towards my goals?

2. Review how your supports are working

Think about which supports are making a meaningful difference in your everyday life.

This may include support that helps you build independence, participate in your community, manage daily activities or work towards your NDIS goals.

3. Keep relevant information

If your disability-related support needs or circumstances change, keep relevant information and discuss the change with your NDIS contact.

Good records can make it easier to explain what has changed and how it affects your support needs.

4. Ask questions

You have the right to understand your NDIS plan.

If something is unclear, ask for an explanation.

Writing down questions before an NDIS meeting can also help you remember what you want to discuss.

How can a Support Coordinator help?

If you have Support Coordination in your NDIS plan, a Support Coordinator can help you better understand and use your plan.

According to the NDIA, Support Coordination can help participants understand their plan, connect with providers and community or mainstream services, and build confidence and skills to manage their supports.

Read more from the NDIS about Support Coordination.

Good Support Coordination should support your choice and control. Your Support Coordinator can explain options and help you navigate services, but decisions about your supports should remain centred on you.

NDIS Support Coordination on the Sunshine Coast

At Assist Lifestyle, we provide NDIS Support Coordination across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie.

We understand that NDIS changes can sometimes feel confusing, particularly when you are already managing appointments, providers and everyday responsibilities.

Our approach focuses on clear communication, practical support and helping participants understand their options.

Need help understanding your NDIS plan?

If you’re looking for NDIS Support Coordination on the Sunshine Coast, contact Assist Lifestyle to discuss your plan, goals and the support you are looking for.

Turning obstacles into opportunities.

Information current as at September 2026. NDIS rules and guidance can change. Information provided here is general and does not replace advice about an individual NDIS plan.